The S-Curves

Monday, March 12, 2018

Once the driver of the DuPont Chevy No. 24 scored his 77th
win in the Winston Cup Series, it was a foregone conclusion that someday Jeff Gordon would be in every museum celebrating the history of NASCAR. Well, just two years after he completed his
last full-time season he has been nominated for the 2019 Class of the NASCARHall of Fame.

I don't know about anybody else out there, but it barely
feels like he left the cockpit. I still see the iconic No. 24 on the track and
have that instant moment of recognition before reality shatters my dreams.Couldn't they wait a little bit longer before
mothballing his career? Why is the date of eligibility just two years from
retirement?

Other Major League Sports Wait Five Years

If this was football or baseball, we would still be waiting
for Gordon's name to appear on the ballet. Time does allow the fans, media, and
others involved in voting on the new HoF class time to digest the true
importance of that person's contribution to the sport. Was it really as
fabulous as we thought at the time?

Now, in Gordon's case there is absolutely no doubt that his
name should be enshrined next to any of the other legends in the Hall of Fame.
His 93 wins in a single car over 25 years is one of the best stat sheets that
exist in all of NASCAR's history.His
career will remain a benchmark for all others to stand up against for quite
some time in the future. This does make his inclusion in the 2019 nominee list
less remarkable.

Jeff Gordon's 93rd Win at Martinsville

Still...just two years.

NASCAR's Numbers Back Up the Short Time Limit

On any given Sunday,
the Cup series fields up to 40 different teams.That's 40 drivers.We usually
bring on between two and five rookies each year. NASCAR has been racing since
1948.So, if we average 40 names over 70
years, that is just 2,800 drivers that would be potentially eligible for the
HoF over the entire lifetime of the sport.

Major League Baseball has 30 teams.Each team has a 40-man roster. The MLB has
been batting the ball since 1869. Using just those numbers, baseball can field
1,200 potential names a year for Cooperstown and multiply
that list by over 100 years and the depth is mind boggling. How they only have
323 members in the Baseball Hall of Fame illustrates that they show considerable
restraint in bringing a new player on board.The NFL boasts a similar number of players with a comparable roster in
their HoF.

As you can see, NASCAR has a much smaller pool of talent to
pull from when building their Hall roster.

For that reason, only waiting two years before pulling out
the chair for a favorite driver is a reasonable time limit. However, it doesn't
change the fact that this NASCAR fan still thinks of Gordon as a current
participant in our sport--not somebody to be buried with the fading racing
programs and cracking rubber of long retired memorabilia.

I'm just not ready to regard the Rainbow Warriors as nothing
more than history. After all, time makes the heart grow fonder, doesn't it? I'm
just asking for a chance to come to terms with his change in employment status,
that's all.

Harvick is Happy Again

So, with his third win in three weeks, I'd say Kevin Harvick
and the No. 4 team is well on their way to Homestead. Anybody want to start
taking odds on how this season is going to unfold? I'm predicting more of the
same in the very near future.

Monday, March 5, 2018

Well, the season of mile and a half racing has commenced.
With its cheese grater surface, Atlanta ran more like a Darlington than the
cookie-cutters we can look forward to after the rest of the West Coast swing is
over. But that didn't stop Las Vegas from producing a predictable and somewhat
sedate afternoon of racing. Which left
time to ponder a variety of topics along the way.

1.Looks
like Harvick has it going this year: After the emotional score in Atlanta,
this week's class in driving focused on a dominant run by a team that seems to be
untouched by the fleet of new rules this season.

2.Are the lug nut guns really a huge issue? While
we have seen several lug nut gun failures during pit stops this year, is it
really an issue with the NASCAR provided equipment? Honestly, there have always
been failures during every race.We're
just hyper focused on the problem because it's a chance to throw some mud at
our favorite sanctioning body.

3.Hey!
Blaney's great run in the No. 21 last year was no fluke: Did you notice
that the new No. 12 team has been running right up front with the No. 2 and No.
22? I guess that young kid just might have the chops for a championship team.

4.Where are the Hendrick boys?I still don't think Jimmie Johnson and
the No. 48 are in any kind of trouble, but it is unusual for the entire
Hendrick stable to be running so far down in the listings.We've heard of rebuilding years in other
major league sports--I suspect Hendrick is using 2018 for that purpose with
their fleet of rookie drivers to bring up to speed.

5.I really
do like the new FOX Sports scoring pylon: I realize that there are still
some glitchy problems with the new graphic that sticks to the right hand side
of your TV screen, but I love it. The old scroll just went too slow and they
changed up the stats so often you couldn't follow a driver other than the Top
3.

6.Chris Myers
continues to irk me: I know that man has been providing emcee services for
the Hollywood Hotel since FOX began their NASCAR coverage in 2001, but I still
can't stand his stand-up comic approach to Sunday afternoons. Please make him
go away.

7.Was that a better race than New Hampshire? This
year New Hampshire Motor Speedway will only be hosting one race, losing its
second date to Las Vegas. It's been a blend of low ticket sales and
"boring" racing that led to the corporate shuffling of race dates.
But does Las Vegas provide a better afternoon of racing? Not that I can see. I
guess the slot machines provide an extra reason to spend a week with your
racing heroes. I guess...

8.The odds are...I can't stand kitchy
pre-race coverage: If the only thing
you can come up with to fill the hours and hours of race weekend chatter is
what kind of odds the betting parlors are putting up for Sunday's race, it's
time to turn in your TV production credentials.It's time to step up your game, FOX.

9.Heading to the land of the rising sun--one
last race at the old Phoenix: The
racing surface is not going to be impacted by the major renovation, but with
the Start/Finish
line moving to the entrance of the dog leg, restarts are going to something
crazy to see. But that's in the Fall. For now, enjoy watching one last race at
this vintage venue.

Monday, February 19, 2018

Did you notice something about that statement? It's missing a driver's name.And yet it isn't. While Austin Dillon was the driver behind the wheel when the checkered flag flew on Sunday, it is actually a legend that is still driving the sport 17 years after he died. That is why we now know that NASCAR made the right decision in refusing to retire that mythical No. 3.

When Dale Earnhardt Sr. lost his life in the 2001 Daytona 500, he enjoyed the support of a legion of wildly loyal and vocal fans. In fact, NASCAR Nation was pretty well split down the middle as Jeff Gordon and Earnhardt went toe to toe week after week in an effort to prove just who had the bigger--um-- following.

After the tragic accident, the sport swayed in shock, but we carried on. We mourned. NASCAR dusted off their focus on safety.New tracks joined the circuit. New faces were welcomed into the garage.But the roar of the Goodwrench No. 3 remained a palpable presence in the lingo of our sport.

After a year there was discussion over whether the car number should ever run again--after all, there would surely never be another Dale Sr.But NASCAR stuck by their stance that they don't retire numbers, and both the Childress and Earnhardt families agreed that retiring the number wouldn't actually do any good.

Still, the No. 3 remained under wraps for a while longer. Those loyal Senior fans remained true, but as time passed the loss of the Intimidator lost its brutal sting. We as fans moved on.

Finally, in 2009 Austin Dillon, the grandson of Richard Childress, brought the Black No. 3 back to life when he made his debut in the Camping World Truck Series.Do you remember how those loyal to the memory of Dale Sr. made some noise? Nobody could drive the No. 3. Never. Why?

Once again, the tales of the Intimidator were brought back to life. NASCAR enjoyed a sense of nostalgia amidst the protests as that No. 3 truck rolled into the track in Iowa.And so the conversation moved forward, teaching the next generation of racing fans about a driver who pushed the boundaries of right, wrong, champion, and villain all at once.

The No. 3 had become more than a number painted on a wall, or hung on a banner in the Hall of Fame. It now represented the blue collar roots of auto racing. The No. 3 continued to take laps on tracks across America, and in doing so kept Dale Sr.'s entire story fresh in our minds.

So, when Austin Dillon took his No. 3 Chevrolet and executed a bump and run on the No. 10 of Aric Almirola on Sunday afternoon only one thing came to my mind.

That is the NASCAR that racing fans came to celebrate all through the 80's and 90's when Senior and the California Kid created a phenomenon worthy of prime time television. Now, with the No. 3 sitting in Daytona USA for another year, not only will new NASCAR fans get to make some noise about how wrecking ain't racing, but their aging parents and grandparents have a chance to relive all the moments that created Sunday afternoon magic for them over the years.

The story isn't about the drivers this year.It's about how after all the tweaks and changes to our sport, the Daytona 500 still comes down to who has the biggest bumper and the guts to use it on the last corner of the last lap.Just as Dale Earnhardt Sr. taught us all those years ago.

The No. 3 could never be retired.It's not done telling the story of NASCAR in America, yet.

Monday, February 5, 2018

So, it's only 13 days until the Daytona 500. Do you even have a clue who is driving which car this year? Even with extremely popular young drivers enjoying a year of media-driven frenzy behind them, it's not going to be a walk through the park to find your new favorite among the starting lineup on February 18th.

Here's a quick rundown of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series cars that have new pilots behind the wheel this year. We'll check up with familiar faces in their regular rides as the season goes on.

Chase Elliot and the No. 9: Elliott took his entire No. 24 team and slapped a new badge on it to honor his father, Bill Elliott. We can expect to see Chase in Victory Lane this year--finally!

Aric Almirola and the No. 10: After performing exceptionally well in the second-tier No. 43 team (for how many years?) Aric is finally getting his shot at the big time in the car vacated by Danica Patrick over at Stewart/Haas Racing. I totally expect more out of this machine under Almirola's guidance than she ever managed.

Ryan Blaney and the No. 12: While we all really wanted the Wood Bros. No. 21 to rise out of single-team mediocrity with this rising star, the fact is that economics will always drive a winning team. So, Blaney is heading off to Penske to flesh out the Keselowski-Logano combination.

Erik Jones and the No. 20: A bit like the Blaney story, a lack of funding prevented the stable that won the 2017 Cup to continue to field a second team with possibly the most talented driver that has risen out of the developmental series in the last three years. Over at Roush, Erik will have his chance to shine.

Paul Menard and the No. 21: See, Blaney didn't have a sponsor. Menard comes to the Wood Bros. team with his family's bank account funding the season--well, 22 races. Why did they leave Childress? Who knows?...Who cares? That might be why.

William Byron and the No. 24: This is the King in the chess game that Hendrick has been working toward for the past four years. Jeff Gordon's heir apparent--no, that really was NOT Chase--is stepping into the storied number for his rookie season. The cars and crew have been rebadged from the No. 5 garage. Hold your breath. This could get exciting.

Michael McDowell and the No. 34: Front Row Motorsports is still managing to bodge together enough funding, drivers, and crew to keep filling up the field. If you are a fan, it's one more year where you can get an autograph!

Bubba Wallace and the No. 43: Honestly, this is all serendipity. Wallace brings an energy and intensity to the track that always translates to his aggressive style behind the wheel. He will be able to maintain the momentum Almirola has been building in this car while placing his own unique personality on the team.

Alex Bowman and the No. 88: While Bowman totally earned this ride after years of scrapping and scraping, he is stepping into a machine that is larger than life. Unfortunately if he doesn't make it to Victory Lane this year, there is a good chance he could slip back into anonymity once again. Bowman lacks the off-track showmanship other young guns possess that helps to leave them in the spotlight.

Kasey Kahne and the No. 95: He's still cute (even though he is 37) And all the girls can still find him at the track, just don't expect for a miracle. That machine is still powered by guts and determination, but not much else.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN:Who do you think will make the most out of their new ride in the 2018 season?Tweet out your answer and mention me @laregnaFind me on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Author.SDGrady/or Comment below.

Monday, January 29, 2018

Are you ready for race day? I'm certainly prepared to see our favorite teams roll into Daytona for some serious racing.

In years past you have found my thoughts on everything NASCAR over at Frontstretch.com, but this year I'm heading out on my own. Believe me, it's all good!

Every week I'll be sharing my thoughts on the latest happenings in our favorite sport right here. I'll be sharing links on social media so you will always know when a new column appears. And just like the headline says, this blog is about us--the fans. I don't repeat what all the big sports outlets are saying, but what I as a fan think and feel. It's the good and the bad.

I love hearing from you--the people who sit next to me. While I might show some love for my favorite drivers, I won't begrudge you the right to cheer for your own guy, even if I don't like them very much. I simply ask you to do the same.

As the season goes on and I get back in the game of keeping an eye on the racing scene 24/7, let me know what kind of info and fun you would like to see on this page and I will see what I can do.

Sunday, January 18, 2015

What is it that we are actually doing when we do that
monstrous Spring Cleaning?Is it
removing bacteria and dust from all surfaces? Is that the important
action?Not at all.If that were so, in this world of germophobia,
our homes would never accumulate the layers of clutter and dust that is typical
in most houses.But we do allow the
clutter...

Until we have no freakin' idea where we've put anything.We
know that there is the coat by the door, where we place our purses when we get
home, normally a somewhat organized food storage system and a general idea of
where to find clothing for the day.But
the rest of it? The bills, letters from relatives, keepsakes from short
daytrips, the new collar we bought Fido, the bag full of picture hangers
because we always intended on putting up that framed photo of Grandma in the
hall...it's all important, just not top priority. It gets lost in the
redundancy of daily life, vanishing at the bottom of so much irrelevant mental
detritus.

Until we get to clean.Sort through the debris in the horizontal filing systems, inspect the shopping
bag tossed in the extra room and rediscover the collection of gifts you bought
last summer at that craft show.As each
room unearths its intended purpose once again, so we manage to discover and
refocus on plans, goals and actually take a moment to think about what we want
to accomplish next.Oh yes, the cupboard
that needs to be reinstalled, the pile of clothes to go to the donation center
and a reassessment of paint/repairs and other projects.If we have time to clean, we have time to
work on finishing thoughts, afghans, stories and visiting friends. Spring
Cleaning is in fact the equivalent of a biological reboot.

I am by no means preaching that we would all benefit from a
spartan life. That would be unexciting.Boring.
Predictable. However, an annual observation of that which we've collected about
us is worthwhile.Otherwise, in this day
and age of 90 second attention spans, how are we ever to manage to build upon
those fantastic ideas we collect over time?

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

This is truly a recipe passed from my great-aunt to my grandmother and on to me. It was a holiday tradition to have the foil wrapped cake delivered as part of our Christmas time celebration. It is a heavy cake, not to be iced--it's plenty sweet as it is.